Sarasota Architects Shine at 2025 AIA Florida Design Awards

Sarasota, Florida, USA - Architectural accolades are making waves in Sarasota, and the recent 2025 AIA Florida Design & Honor Awards has brought local talent to the forefront. With a dozen notable projects recognized from Sarasota, Longboat Key, Venice, and Manatee County, it’s clear that our region remains a focal point for innovative design. Among the celebrated names is Guy Peterson, who received the Citation Award for Test of Time for his masterpiece, the Field Club House.

The awards spotlight the creative prowess housed within Florida’s architectural community, which includes over 3,600 members from the Florida/Caribbean region, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. While the submissions needed to come from Florida-based firms, their projects could stretch globally, showcasing the diverse talents we have in our state. As reported by Sarasota Magazine, the winners will be celebrated on July 19 during the AIA Florida Convention Gala in Palm Beach, and their work will be featured in an upcoming issue of Florida/Caribbean Architect magazine.

Celebrated Achievements

Alongside Peterson, numerous other architects received accolades for their outstanding contributions. Damien Blumetti Architect took home the Citation Award for Unbuilt projects like the Indian Beach House and Hillview House. Hive Architects Inc. snagged the Citation Award of Excellence for their interior work on the Bahia Vista House, proving that excellence in architecture comes in various forms.

• Halflants + Pichette: Citation Award of Excellence for Cushman Residence; Merit Award for an Unbuilt mixed-use project.
• Carl Abbott and Leonardo Lunardi: Merit Award of Excellence for the Villa Mar project.
• Hall Darling Design Studio: Multiple honors for renovations and historic preservation efforts.
• Sweet Sparkman Architecture & Interiors: Recognized for projects on Longboat Key and in Venice.
• Strang Architecture: Merit Award of Excellence for a residence in Key Largo.
• Schimberg Group: Citation Award of Excellence for the Forty Carrots Family Center.

This recognition, as noted in Architecture Sarasota, showcases how Sarasota’s architectural legacy is not just surviving but thriving, building on the foundation laid by revered figures in the field.

Iconic Influences

At the heart of this architectural renaissance is Carl J. Abbott, whose illustrious career spans over 40 years. Born in 1936, Abbott has a profound connection with Sarasota’s architectural identity, having studied under Paul Rudolph at Yale and worked with legendary names like I. M. Pei. His philosophy, influenced by the subtropical climate and ancient sacred architectures, focuses on designs that resonate with the land and celebrate nature.

A testament to his impact, Abbott received the Presidential Award at the 2023 AIA Florida Convention in Orlando for his role in preserving the Sarasota School of Architecture. His dedication to the craft has earned him multiple awards, including the prestigious Medal of Honor for Design in 1986. Abbott, who has lectured at esteemed institutions including Harvard, is a true pillar of the architectural community.

His most recent commission, a residence on Casey Key completed in 2019, showcases his enduring legacy and innovative spirit, underscoring the importance of maintaining the cultural heritage of architecture in Sarasota.

With events like the AIA Florida Convention celebrating these talents, and community initiatives like Herald Tribune covering awards honoring individuals like Abbott, it’s a thrilling time for architecture lovers in our region. The commitment to design excellence here is not just a trend—it’s a testament to a culture that deeply values creativity, sustainability, and innovation.